tow DODGE RAM 2001 Service Repair Manual
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Page 1834 of 2889

FLUID AND FILTER
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - EFFECTS OF
INCORRECT FLUID LEVEL
A low fluid level allows the pump to take in air
along with the fluid. Air in the fluid will cause fluid
pressures to be low and develop slower than normal.
If the transmission is overfilled, the gears churn the
fluid into foam. This aerates the fluid and causing
the same conditions occurring with a low level. In
either case, air bubbles cause fluid overheating, oxi-
dation and varnish buildup which interferes with
valve and clutch operation. Foaming also causes fluid
expansion which can result in fluid overflow from the
transmission vent or fill tube. Fluid overflow can eas-
ily be mistaken for a leak if inspection is not careful.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CAUSES OF
BURNT FLUID
Burnt, discolored fluid is a result of overheating
which has two primary causes.
(1) A result of restricted fluid flow through the
main and/or auxiliary cooler. This condition is usu-
ally the result of a faulty or improperly installed
drainback valve, a damaged main cooler, or severe
restrictions in the coolers and lines caused by debris
or kinked lines.
(2) Heavy duty operation with a vehicle not prop-
erly equipped for this type of operation. Trailer tow-
ing or similar high load operation will overheat the
transmission fluid if the vehicle is improperly
equipped. Such vehicles should have an auxiliary
transmission fluid cooler, a heavy duty cooling sys-
tem, and the engine/axle ratio combination needed to
handle heavy loads.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FLUID
CONTAMINATION
Transmission fluid contamination is generally a
result of:
²adding incorrect fluid
²failure to clean dipstick and fill tube when
checking level
²engine coolant entering the fluid
²internal failure that generates debris
²
overheat that generates sludge (fluid breakdown)
²failure to reverse flush cooler and lines after repair
²failure to replace contaminated converter after
repair
The use of non-recommended fluids can result in
transmission failure. The usual results are erratic
shifts, slippage, abnormal wear and eventual failure
due to fluid breakdown and sludge formation. Avoid
this condition by using recommended fluids only.
The dipstick cap and fill tube should be wiped clean
before checking fluid level. Dirt, grease and other for-
eign material on the cap and tube could fall into the
tube if not removed beforehand. Take the time to wipe
the cap and tube clean before withdrawing the dipstick.
Engine coolant in the transmission fluid is gener-
ally caused by a cooler malfunction. The only remedy
is to replace the radiator as the cooler in the radiator
is not a serviceable part. If coolant has circulated
through the transmission, an overhaul is necessary.
The transmission cooler and lines should be
reverse flushed whenever a malfunction generates
sludge and/or debris. The torque converter should
also be replaced at the same time.
Failure to flush the cooler and lines will result in
recontamination. Flushing applies to auxiliary coolers
as well. The torque converter should also be replaced
whenever a failure generates sludge and debris. This is
necessary because normal converter flushing procedures
will not remove all contaminants.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID LEVEL
CHECK
Low fluid level can cause a variety of conditions
because it allows the pump to take in air along with
the fluid. As in any hydraulic system, air bubbles
make the fluid spongy, therefore, pressures will be
low and build up slowly.
Improper filling can also raise the fluid level too
high. When the transmssion has too much fluid, the
geartrain churns up foam and cause the same condi-
tions which occur with a low fluid level.
In either case, air bubbles can cause overheating
and/or fluid oxidation, and varnishing. This can inter-
fere with normal valve, clutch, and accumulator opera-
tion. Foaming can also result in fluid escaping from the
transmission vent where it may be mistaken for a leak.
Along with fluid level, it is important to check the
condition of the fluid. When the fluid smells burned,
and is contaminated with metal or friction material
particles, a complete transmission recondition is
needed. Be sure to examine the fluid on the dipstick
closely. If there is any doubt about its condition,
drain out a sample for a double check.
After the fluid has been checked, seat the dipstick
fully to seal out water and dirt.
The transmission has a dipstick to check oil level.
It is located on the right side of the engine. Be sure
to wipe all dirt from dipstick handle before removing.
Fluid level is checked with the engine running at curb
idle speed, the transmission in NEUTRAL and the trans-
mission fluid at normal operating temperature.The
engine should be running at idle speed for at least
one minute, with the vehicle on level ground.
The transmission fluid level can be checked two
ways.
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 199
Page 1848 of 2889

(10) Install all bolts that attach support to pump
housing. Then tighten bolts finger tight.
(11) Tighten support-to-pump bolts to required
torque as follows:
(a) Reverse pump assembly and install it in
transmission case. Position pump so bolts are fac-
ing out and are accessible.
(b) Secure pump assembly in case with 2 or 3
bolts, or with pilot studs.
(c) Tighten support-to-pump bolts to 20 N´m (15
ft. lbs.).
(d) Remove pump assembly from transmission
case.
(12) Install new oil seal in pump with Special Tool
C-4193 and Tool Handle C-4171 (Fig. 110). Be sure
seal lip faces inward.
(13) Install new seal ring around pump housing.
Be sure seal is properly seated in groove.
(14) Lubricate lip of pump oil seal and O-ring seal
with transmission fluid.
OUTPUT SHAFT FRONT
BEARING
REMOVAL
(1) Remove overdrive unit from the vehicle.
(2) Remove overdrive geartrain from housing.
(3) Remove snap-ring holding output shaft front
bearing to overdrive geartrain. (Fig. 111).
(4) Pull bearing from output shaft.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place replacement bearing in position on
geartrain with locating retainer groove toward the
rear.
(2) Push bearing onto shaft until the snap-ring
groove is visible.
(3) Install snap-ring to hold bearing onto output
shaft.(4) Install overdrive geartrain into housing.
(5) Install overdrive unit in vehicle.
OUTPUT SHAFT REAR
BEARING
REMOVAL
(1) Remove overdrive unit from the vehicle. (Refer
to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC/
OVERDRIVE - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove overdrive geartrain from housing.
(3) Remove snap-ring holding output shaft rear
bearing into overdrive housing (Fig. 112).
(4) Using a suitable driver inserted through the
rear end of housing, drive bearing from housing.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place replacement bearing in position in hous-
ing.
(2) Using a suitable driver, drive bearing into
housing until the snap-ring groove is visible.
(3) Install snap-ring to hold bearing into housing
(Fig. 112).
(4) Install overdrive geartrain into housing.
(5) Install overdrive unit in vehicle.
Fig. 110 Pump Oil Seal Installation
1 - PUMP BODY
2 - PUMP SEAL
3 - SPECIAL TOOL C-4193
Fig. 111 Output Shaft Front Bearing
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT FRONT BEARING
2 - SNAP-RING
3 - OUTPUT SHAFT
4 - GROOVE TO REAR
5 - OVERDRIVE GEARTRAIN
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 213
OIL PUMP (Continued)
Page 1859 of 2889

GEAR CASE AND PARK LOCK
(1) Remove locating ring from gear case.
(2) Remove park pawl shaft retaining bolt and
remove shaft, pawl and spring.
(3) Remove reaction plug snap-ring and remove
reaction plug.
(4) Remove output shaft seal.
CLEANING
Clean the geartrain and case components with sol-
vent. Dry all parts except the bearings with com-
pressed air. Allow bearings to air dry.
Do not use shop towels for wiping parts dry unless
the towels are made from a lint-free material. A suf-
ficient quantity of lint (from shop towels, cloths, rags,
etc.) could plug the transmission filter and fluid pas-
sages.
Discard the old case gasket and seals. Do not
attempt to salvage these parts. They are not reus-
able. Replace any of the overdrive unit snap-rings if
distorted or damaged.
Minor nicks or scratches on components can be
smoothed with crocus cloth. However, do not attempt
to reduce severe scoring on any components with
abrasive materials. Replace severely scored compo-
nents; do not try to salvage them.
INSPECTION
Check condition of the park lock components and
the overdrive case.
Check the bushings in the overdrive case. Replace
the bushings if severely scored or worn. Also replace
the case seal if loose, distorted, or damaged.
Examine the overdrive and direct clutch discs and
plates. Replace the discs if the facing is worn,
severely scored, or burned and flaking off. Replace
the clutch plates if worn, heavily scored, or cracked.
Check the lugs on the clutch plates for wear. The
plates should slide freely in the drum. Replace the
plates or drum if binding occurs.
Check condition of the annulus gear, direct clutch
hub, clutch drum and clutch spring. Replace the gear,
hub and drum if worn or damaged. Replace the
spring if collapsed, distorted, or cracked.
Be sure the splines and lugs on the gear, drum and
hub are in good condition. The clutch plates and
discs should slide freely in these components.
Inspect the thrust bearings and spring plate.
Replace the plate if worn or scored. Replace the bear-
ings if rough, noisy, brinnelled, or worn.
Inspect the planetary gear assembly and the sun
gear and bushings. If either the sun gear or the
bushings are damaged, replace the gear and bush-
ings as an assembly. The gear and bushings are not
serviced separately.
The planetary carrier and pinions must be in good
condition. Also be sure the pinion pins are secure and
in good condition. Replace the carrier if worn or dam-
aged.
Inspect the overrunning clutch and race. The race
surface should be smooth and free of scores. Replace
the overrunning clutch assembly or the race if either
assembly is worn or damaged in any way.
Replace the shaft pilot bushing and inner bushing
if damaged. Replace either shaft bearing if rough or
noisy. Replace the bearing snap-rings if distorted or
cracked.
Check the machined surfaces on the output shaft.
These surfaces should clean and smooth. Very minor
nicks or scratches can be smoothed with crocus cloth.
Replace the shaft if worn, scored or damaged in any
way.
Inspect the output shaft bushings. The small bush-
ing is the intermediate shaft pilot bushing. The large
bushing is the overrunning clutch hub bushing.
Replace either bushing if scored, pitted, cracked, or
worn.
Fig. 146 Annulus Gear Removal
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - ANNULUS GEAR
21 - 224 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REBR/BE
OVERDRIVE UNIT (Continued)
Page 1860 of 2889

ASSEMBLY
GEARTRAIN AND DIRECT CLUTCH
(1) Soak direct clutch and overdrive clutch discs in
MopartATF +4, type 9602, transmission fluid. Allow
discs to soak for 10-20 minutes.
(2) Install new pilot bushing and clutch hub bush-
ing in output shaft if necessary (Fig. 147). Lubricate
bushings with petroleum jelly, or transmission fluid.
(3) Install annulus gear on output shaft, if
removed. Then install annulus gear retaining snap-
ring (Fig. 148).(4) Align and install clutch drum on annulus gear
(Fig. 149). Be sure drum is engaged in annulus gear
lugs.
(5) Install clutch drum outer retaining ring (Fig.
149).
(6) Slide clutch drum forward and install inner
retaining ring (Fig. 150).
(7) Install rear bearing and snap-ring on output
shaft (Fig. 151). Be sure locating ring groove in bear-
ing is toward rear.
Fig. 148 Annulus Gear Installation
1 - SNAP-RING
2 - OUTPUT SHAFT FRONT BEARING
3 - ANNULUS GEAR
Fig. 147 Output Shaft Pilot Bushing
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT HUB
2 - OVERRUNNING CLUTCH HUB BUSHING
3 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT PILOT BUSHING
Fig. 149 Clutch Drum And Outer Retaining Ring
Installation
1 - ANNULUS GEAR
2 - OUTER SNAP-RING
3 - CLUTCH DRUM
Fig. 150 Clutch Drum Inner Retaining Ring
Installation
1 - ANNULUS GEAR
2 - INNER SNAP-RING
3 - CLUTCH DRUM
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 225
OVERDRIVE UNIT (Continued)
Page 1870 of 2889

OVERRUNNING CLUTCH
CAM/OVERDRIVE PISTON
RETAINER
DESCRIPTION
The overrunning clutch (Fig. 181) consists of an
inner race, an outer race (or cam), rollers and
springs, and the spring retainer. The number of roll-
ers and springs depends on what transmission and
which overrunning clutch is being dealt with.
OPERATION
As the inner race is rotated in a clockwise direction
(as viewed from the front of the transmission), the
race causes the rollers to roll toward the springs,
causing them to compress against their retainer. The
compression of the springs increases the clearance
between the rollers and cam. This increased clear-
ance between the rollers and cam results in a free-
wheeling condition. When the inner race attempts to
rotate counterclockwise, the action causes the rollers
to roll in the same direction as the race, aided by the
pushing of the springs. As the rollers try to move in
the same direction as the inner race, they are
wedged between the inner and outer races due to the
design of the cam. In this condition, the clutch is
locked and acts as one unit.
DISASSEMBLY
NOTE: To service the overrunning clutch cam and
the overdrive piston retainer, the transmissiongeartrain and the overdrive unit must be removed
from the transmission.
(1) Remove the overdrive piston (Fig. 182).
(2) Remove the overdrive piston retainer bolts.
(3) Remove overdrive piston retainer.
(4) Remove case gasket.
(5) Mark the position of the overrunning clutch
cam in the case (Fig. 183).
(6) Remove the overrunning clutch cam bolts.
(7) Remove the overrunning clutch cam.
Fig. 181 Overrunning Clutch
1 - OUTER RACE (CAM)
2 - ROLLER
3 - SPRING
4 - SPRING RETAINER
5 - INNER RACE (HUB)
Fig. 182 Overdrive Piston Removal
1 - OVERDRIVE CLUTCH PISTON
2 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT
3 - SELECTIVE SPACER
4 - PISTON RETAINER
Fig. 183 Overrunning Clutch Cam Removal
1 - ALIGN MARKS IDENTIFYING NON-THREADED HOLE IN
CAM AND CASE
2 - OVERRUNNING CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 235
Page 1871 of 2889

CLEANING
Clean the overrunning clutch assembly, clutch cam,
low-reverse drum, and overdrive piston retainer in
solvent. Dry them with compressed air after clean-
ing.
INSPECTION
Inspect condition of each clutch part after cleaning.
Replace the overrunning clutch roller and spring
assembly if any rollers or springs are worn or dam-
aged, or if the roller cage is distorted, or damaged.
Replace the cam if worn, cracked or damaged.
Replace the low-reverse drum if the clutch race,
roller surface or inside diameter is scored, worn or
damaged.Do not remove the clutch race from
the low-reverse drum under any circumstances.
Replace the drum and race as an assembly if
either component is damaged.
Examine the overdrive piston retainer carefully for
wear, cracks, scoring or other damage. Be sure the
retainer hub is a snug fit in the case and drum.
Replace the retainer if worn or damaged.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Examine bolt holes in overrunning clutch cam.
Note that one hole isnot threaded(Fig. 184). This
hole must align with blank area in clutch cam bolt
circle (Fig. 185). Mark hole location on clutch cam
and blank area in case with grease pencil, paint
stripe, or scribe mark for assembly reference.
(2) Mark location of non-threaded hole in clutch
cam and blank area in bolt circle with grease pencil.
(3) Align and install overrunning clutch and cam
in case (Fig. 186). Be sure cam is correctly installed.
Bolt holes in cam are slightly countersunk on oneside. Be sure this side of cam faces rearward (toward
piston retainer).
(4) Verify that non-threaded hole in clutch cam is
properly aligned. Check alignment by threading a
bolt into each bolt hole. Adjust clutch cam position if
necessary.
(5) Install and tighten overrunning clutch cam
bolts to 17 N´m (13 ft. lbs.) torque. Note that clutch
cam bolts are shorter than piston retainer bolts.
(6) Install new gasket at rear of transmission case.
Use petroleum jelly to hold gasket in place. Be sure
to align governor feed holes in gasket with feed pas-
sages in case (Fig. 187). Also install gasket before
Fig. 184 Location Of Non-Threaded Hole In Clutch
Cam
1 - NON-THREADED HOLE
2 - OVERRUNNING CLUTCH CAM
Fig. 185 Location Of Blank Area In Clutch Cam Bolt
Circle
1 - OVERRUNNING CLUTCH CAM SEAT IN CASE
2 - NON-THREADED HOLE IN CLUTCH CAM ALIGNS HERE
(BLANK AREA) OF SEAT
Fig. 186 Overrunning Clutch Installation
1 - ALIGN MARKS IDENTIFYING NON-THREADED HOLE IN
CAM AND CASE
2 - OVERRUNNING CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
21 - 236 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REBR/BE
OVERRUNNING CLUTCH CAM/OVERDRIVE PISTON RETAINER (Continued)
Page 1882 of 2889

and disengages the clutch. The release spring also
helps to cushion the application of the clutch assem-
bly. When the clutch is in the process of being
released by the release spring, fluid flows through a
vent and one-way ball-check-valve located in the pis-
ton. The check-valve is needed to eliminate the pos-
sibility of plate drag caused by centrifugal force
acting on the residual fluid trapped in the clutch pis-
ton retainer.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove fiber thrust washer from forward side
of clutch retainer.
(2) Remove input shaft front/rear seal rings.
(3) Remove selective clutch pack snap-ring (Fig.
216).(4) Remove top pressure plate, clutch discs, steel
plates, bottom pressure plate and wave snap-ring
and wave spring (Fig. 216).
(5) Remove clutch piston with rotating motion.
(6) Remove and discard piston seals.
(7) Remove input shaft snap-ring (Fig. 217). It
may be necessary to press the input shaft in slightly
to relieve tension on the snap-ring
(8) Press input shaft out of retainer with shop
press and suitable size press tool. Use a suitably
sized press tool to support the retainer as close to the
input shaft as possible.
CLEANING
Clean the clutch components with solvent and dry
them with compressed air. Do not use rags or shop
towels to dry any of the clutch parts. Lint from such
Fig. 216 Rear Clutch Components
1 - PISTON SPRING 10 - TOP PRESSURE PLATE
2 - REAR CLUTCH PISTON 11 - CLUTCH DISCS (4)
3 - CLUTCH PISTON SEALS 12 - BOTTOM PRESSURE PLATE
4 - OUTPUT SHAFT THRUST WASHER (METAL) 13 - WAVE SPRING
5 - INPUT SHAFT SNAP-RING 14 - CLUTCH PLATES (3)
6 - REAR CLUTCH RETAINER 15 - RETAINER SEAL RING
7 - INPUT SHAFT 16 - SHAFT REAR SEAL RING (PLASTIC)
8 - REAR CLUTCH THRUST WASHER (FIBER) 17 - SHAFT FRONT SEAL RING (TEFLON)
9 - CLUTCH PACK SNAP-RING (SELECTIVE)
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 247
REAR CLUTCH (Continued)
Page 1883 of 2889

materials will adhere to component surfaces and
could restrict or block fluid passages after assembly.
INSPECTION
Replace the clutch discs if warped, worn, scored,
burned/charred, the lugs are damaged, or if the fac-
ing is flaking off. Replace the top and bottom pres-
sure plates if scored, warped, or cracked. Be sure the
driving lugs on the pressure and clutch plates are
also in good condition. The lugs must not be bent,
cracked or damaged in any way.
Replace the piston spring and wave spring if either
part is distorted, warped or broken.
Check the lug grooves in the clutch retainer. The
clutch and pressure plates should slide freely in the
slots. Replace the retainer if the grooves are worn or
damaged. Also check action of the check balls in the
retainer and piston. Each check ball must move
freely and not stick.
Replace the retainer bushing if worn, scored, or
doubt exists about bushing condition.
Inspect the piston and retainer seal surfaces for
nicks or scratches. Minor scratches can be removed
with crocus cloth. However, replace the piston and/or
retainer if the seal surfaces are seriously scored.
Check condition of the fiber thrust washer and
metal output shaft thrust washer. Replace either
washer if worn or damaged.
Check condition of the seal rings on the input shaft
and clutch retainer hub. Replace the seal rings only
if worn, distorted, or damaged. The input shaft front
seal ring is teflon with chamfered ends. The rear ring
is metal with interlocking ends.
Check the input shaft for wear, or damage. Replace
the shaft if worn, scored or damaged in any way.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Soak clutch discs in transmission fluid while
assembling other clutch parts.
(2) Install new seal rings on clutch retainer hub
and input shaft, if necessary, (Fig. 218) and (Fig.
219).
(a) Be sure clutch hub seal ring is fully seated in
groove and is not twisted.
(3) Lubricate splined end of input shaft and clutch
retainer with transmission fluid. Then press input
shaft into retainer (Fig. 220). Use a suitably sized
press tool to support retainer as close to input shaft
as possible.
(4) Install input shaft snap-ring (Fig. 217).
(5) Invert retainer and press input shaft in oppo-
site direction until snap-ring is seated.
(6) Install new seals on clutch piston. Be sure lip
of each seal faces interior of clutch retainer.
(7) Lubricate lip of piston seals with generous
quantity of MopartDoor Ease. Then lubricate
retainer hub and bore with light coat of transmission
fluid.
(8) Install clutch piston in retainer. Use twisting
motion to seat piston in bottom of retainer. A thin
strip of plastic (about 0.0209thick), can be used to
guide seals into place if necessary.
CAUTION: Never push the clutch piston straight in.
This will fold the seals over causing leakage and
clutch slip. In addition, never use any type of metal
tool to help ease the piston seals into place. Metal
tools will cut, shave, or score the seals.
(9) Install piston spring in retainer and on top of
piston (Fig. 221). Concave side of spring faces down-
ward (toward piston).
(10) Install wave spring in retainer (Fig. 221). Be
sure spring is completely seated in retainer groove.
(11) Install bottom pressure plate (Fig. 216).
Ridged side of plate faces downward (toward piston)
and flat side toward clutch pack.
(12) Install first clutch disc in retainer on top of
bottom pressure plate. Then install a clutch plate fol-
lowed by a clutch disc until entire clutch pack is
installed (4 discs and 3 plates are required) (Fig.
216).
(13) Install top pressure plate.
(14) Install selective snap-ring. Be sure snap-ring
is fully seated in retainer groove.
Fig. 217 Removing Input Shaft Snap-Ring
1 - REAR CLUTCH RETAINER
2 - INPUT SHAFT SNAP-RING
3 - SNAP-RING PLIERS
21 - 248 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REBR/BE
REAR CLUTCH (Continued)
Page 1895 of 2889

OPERATION
The converter impeller (Fig. 240) (driving member),
which is integral to the converter housing and bolted
to the engine drive plate, rotates at engine speed.
The converter turbine (driven member), which reacts
from fluid pressure generated by the impeller, rotates
and turns the transmission input shaft.
TURBINE
As the fluid that was put into motion by the impel-
ler blades strikes the blades of the turbine, some of
the energy and rotational force is transferred into the
turbine and the input shaft. This causes both of them
(turbine and input shaft) to rotate in a clockwise
direction following the impeller. As the fluid is leav-
ing the trailing edges of the turbine's blades it con-
tinues in a ªhinderingº direction back toward the
impeller. If the fluid is not redirected before it strikes
the impeller, it will strike the impeller in such a
direction that it would tend to slow it down.
STATOR
Torque multiplication is achieved by locking the
stator's over-running clutch to its shaft (Fig. 241).
Under stall conditions (the turbine is stationary), the
oil leaving the turbine blades strikes the face of the
stator blades and tries to rotate them in a counter-clockwise direction. When this happens the overrun-
ning clutch of the stator locks and holds the stator
from rotating. With the stator locked, the oil strikes
the stator blades and is redirected into a ªhelpingº
direction before it enters the impeller. This circula-
tion of oil from impeller to turbine, turbine to stator,
and stator to impeller, can produce a maximum
torque multiplication of about 2.4:1. As the turbine
begins to match the speed of the impeller, the fluid
that was hitting the stator in such as way as to
cause it to lock-up is no longer doing so. In this con-
dition of operation, the stator begins to free wheel
and the converter acts as a fluid coupling.
TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH (TCC)
The torque converter clutch is hydraulically
applied and is released when fluid is vented from the
hydraulic circuit by the torque converter control
(TCC) solenoid on the valve body. The torque con-
verter clutch is controlled by the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM). The torque converter clutch engages
in fourth gear, and in third gear under various con-
ditions, such as when the O/D switch is OFF, when
the vehicle is cruising on a level surface after the
vehicle has warmed up. The torque converter clutch
will disengage momentarily when an increase in
engine load is sensed by the PCM, such as when the
Fig. 240 Torque Converter Fluid Operation
1 - APPLY PRESSURE 3 - RELEASE PRESSURE
2 - THE PISTON MOVES SLIGHTLY FORWARD 4 - THE PISTON MOVES SLIGHTLY REARWARD
21 - 260 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REBR/BE
TORQUE CONVERTER (Continued)
Page 1907 of 2889

KICKDOWN LIMIT VALVE
The purpose of the limit valve is to prevent a 3-2
downshift at higher speeds when a part-throttle
downshift is not desirable. At these higher speeds
only a full throttle 3-2 downshift will occur. At low
road speeds (Fig. 253) the limit valve does not come
into play and does not affect the downshifts. As the
vehicle's speed increases (Fig. 254), the governor
pressure also increases. The increased governor pres-
sure acts on the reaction area of the bottom land ofthe limit valve overcoming the spring force trying to
push the valve toward the bottom of its bore. This
pushes the valve upward against the spring and bot-
toms the valve against the top of the housing. With
the valve bottomed against the housing, the throttle
pressure supplied to the valve will be closed off by
the bottom land of the limit valve. When the supply
of throttle pressure has been shut off, the 3-2 part
throttle downshift plug becomes inoperative, because
no pressure is acting on its reaction area.
Fig. 253 Kickdown Limit Valve-Low Speeds
Fig. 254 Kickdown Limit Valve-High Speeds
21 - 272 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REBR/BE
VALVE BODY (Continued)